Exceptional Vision, Since 1846.
We boast a long and storied corporate history. Yet, we are just beginning our journey.
Let's look at the developmental milestones of the ZEISS® brand, so cherished by the public today.
1846: Humble Beginnings
Carl Zeiss founded his first workshop for precision mechanics and optics in Jena, Germany, in 1846. Initially, he focused on microscope production. Soon, he began supplying local markets and shipping products worldwide.
Today: An Optical Giant
ZEISS® is a globally leading technology group in the fields of optics and optoelectronics, with annual revenue exceeding 10 billion Euros.
1889: Steadfast Foundations
After Carl Zeiss's death, his business partner Ernst Abbe established the Carl Zeiss® Foundation. The foundation became the sole owner of the company. Its profits were reinvested to promote scientific, social, and cultural projects, as well as workforce development.
Today: Innovation Remains Key
ZEISS® remains a 100% foundation-owned company. We continue to reinvest a significant portion of our profits into research, science, education, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
1912: Vision Care Pioneer
The introduction of ZEISS® Punktal precision eyeglass lenses in 1912 marked the birth of the modern spectacle lens industry. This lens fundamentally changed the way corrective eyeglass lenses were calculated and manufactured.
Today: Your Comprehensive Eye Care Partner
We remain an industry benchmark for setting standards and advancing the quality of eye care services. Our focus is not only on providing tailored vision correction solutions but also on offering long-term protection for your eye health.
1950s: First Surgical Microscope
ZEISS® microscopes for surgical procedures opened up entirely new possibilities for medical professionals and their patients.
Today: Hope in Challenging Times
ZEISS® MultisEM is the world's fastest electron microscope. With this product, doctors can better understand human brain structures and develop highly effective treatment solutions. Globally, ZEISS® products are the preferred choice for numerous surgeries.
1969: To the Moon
ZEISS® camera lenses recorded the first human landing on the moon in 1969.
Today: Still Serving Space, Also in Your Pocket
Google Earth® satellites use our telescope equipment to capture images of our home planet from space. Your smartphone may also be equipped with a ZEISS® lens.
1977: Achieving Microstructures
ZEISS® in 1977 launched the S-Planar 10/0.28, the first lens capable of producing 1μm structure lithography. As a critical component in microchip production, it laid the foundation for the first wafer steppers.
Today: Shaping Modern Life
Smaller, more powerful, and more efficient. ZEISS® semiconductor manufacturing processes help global chip manufacturers produce structures as thin as one five-thousandth of a human hair.
This information is excerpted from the ZEISS® Greater China website. For more information, please click here.
